The 123rd Airlangga Webinar Conference in Collaboration (AWCS), together with the Universitas Airlangga Alumni Association Special Branch (PCI) United Kingdom (UK), held a webinar entitled Postgraduate Health Science Research Showcase. The event occurred online through a Zoom meeting on Saturday (28/10/2023).

Present at the event was Clarissa Magdalena, dr MSc, a speaker who is an expert in her field. At the beginning of her presentation, Clarissa explained that mental health for pregnant women is vital.

"Mental health for pregnant women is significant. Because if mental health in pregnant women is lacking, it can cause stunting, premature babies, and others," explained Clarissa.

Mental Health of Pregnant Women

Clarissa said, based on the data, Indonesia has started to pay attention to the mental health of pregnant women. However, Clarissa continued, it is still not a priority based on the evidence; in 2019, 1 in 50 pregnant women in Indonesia were affected by depression.

"Currently, the Indonesian government has started to pay attention to the health of pregnant women, and it is also more than in previous years. However, it is not yet a priority. Maintaining mental health for pregnant women is very important for the sustainability of the next generation," said the FK UNAIR alumni.

Clarissa added that hopefully, mental health for pregnant women will continue to increase in priority so that there are no more cases such as stunting.

Collaboration of Various Parties

Furthermore, Clarissa also explained that mental health for pregnant women can be a priority, but it needs collaboration from various parties. These parties, Clarissa continued, are psychiatrists, the Ministry of Health, community organizations, and experts in the field of mental health for pregnant women.

"With this collaboration, it is hoped that the parties concerned will discuss and work together to discuss this matter. So, in the future, mental health for pregnant women can be prioritized," Clarissa explained.

In the end, Clarissa also said that after the collaboration, there is a need for a clear policy and structured assignment by the Ministry of Health (KEMENKES) related to actors who handle mental health in pregnant women.

Writer: Muhammad Rizal Abdul Aziz

Editor: Nuri Hermawan

Source : unair.ac.id/awcs-bersama-ika-pci-uk-gelar-webinar-kesehatan-mental